A/N: Sorry about the updates! Schoolwork is rising now that summer is approaching! Can't promise but I will try to update at least twice a week. Thank you for your patience!

~Elizabeth248

Another A/N: Story may switch between 1st person POV to 3rd person POV

Disclaimer: Roses are red, Violets are blue, I don't own Twilight and neither do you! Lol (unless you're Stephenie Meyer, of course!)

O~O~O~O

Chapter 4: Acquaintance

"So, you will all be going to your new school in two days," Carlisle concluded his speech. "I've already arranged it with the headmaster about any future absences from your classes, so hunting will not be a problem. Any questions?"

No one spoke. Edward was looking apathetically out the window toward the landscape, rarely paying attention to what his father had said. Rosalie and Alice grimaced at the prospect of school, especially a boarding school where uniforms were strictly required. Emmett and Jasper were looking at Edward, worried etched across their features, as was Carlisle's when he noticed his son's behavior. Edward pretended he didn't hear the concern in everyone's thoughts. He stood up and quickly ran back into his bedroom and sanctuary, ignoring the string of thoughts that followed him.

Esme looked to Carlisle. "Do you think it's best to do this? Why not wait another few days?"

Carlisle shook his head, looking at the door Edward escaped to. "It's best to carry out this way," he said unconvincingly. He hung his head. "Better he go to the school and keep busy than stay in his room." Esme nodded, though, she too, was unconvinced.

The next day, just before the sun could fully rise, Carlisle and Esme drove their five "children" to the private boarding school in the countryside of Italy. It looked more like a small town rather than a school.

The eight buildings cluttered together were tall in structure with classical columns and built in a way that best fitted the Renaissance era. Five tall towers shot out from the church-like buildings, as tall as they were wide. In the middle of the stone structures lay a courtyard, completed with rose bushes and a fountain as magnificent as the Trevvi Fountain in Rome. Stone passageways connected the buildings together. The streets were made of cobblestone and the windows were compiled of stained glass. Ivy vines stalked up the sides of the buildings and towers like spider webs.

Truly it was a beautiful school. Beautiful, except that Edward refused to acknowledge it. This school would be the same as the last, filled with ignorant girls who thought they were good enough to be with him. There was only one person in the entire world that had been good enough, and she was gone.

An elderly woman dressed in a long black dress strode out from one of the buildings. She walked with her back straight and reading glasses perched almost at the tip of her nose, her graying hair tied up in a bun and her face, so kind-looking, was frowning in a strict, almost professional manner.

"Hello, my name is Carlisle Cullen," Carlisle introduced himself.

The woman nodded. "My name is Sarah Goodman," the woman introduced herself, her voice soft but her tone strict. "I am deputy headmistress of this school and philosophy teacher. You must be the new arrivals," she said to Alice, Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper and Edward. "You will address me as Professor Goodman during class. Come, I will give you the tour."

The Cullens followed the woman into one of the buildings. Wooden doors stretched across both sides of the narrow building, most open and others closed. Numbers were carved artistically into the stone next to the doors. "This is the mathematics department," Professor Goodman explained. "Classes range from basic algebra to Calculus and Statistics."

They followed her through the stone passageways into the Science, English and Social Studies departments and were showed to the Library, infirmary, washing room and dining hall. Much of the miscellaneous electives were compiled in one of the larger buildings, classes such as philosophy, cooking, physical education (which mostly takes place outside during nice weather), arts, music education and language studies.

"The rules are basic here," Professor Goodman explained. "Breakfast is served at 7am, classes begin at 8am until 5pm. Lunch is at 12pm and dinner is held at 7pm. You each have a total of 7 classes and two free hours, which varies from schedule to schedule. Your free hours are yours to spend so long as they do not disturb any sessions.

"We have a curfew, which is at 9pm. Sharp. You are to retire to your dorm rooms at that time and are not allowed to wander the school grounds afterward, unless there is an emergency. So long as you follow these rules, we will have no trouble."

Professor Goodman pointed to one of the five towers. It was one of the tallest and widest, with broad windows and a few staircases crawling up the side. Ivy vines stalked up and decorated it so thickly that at first glance the tower seemed to be made out of green stone.

"That is where the girls reside," she explained. She then pointed to the tower standing across from the first, which was equally tall, equally wide, similar in structure and had just as much ivy vines covering it as the other tower. "And that is where the boys reside." Her lips thinned. "While you can visit during the day, we do not allow visits after curfew. Sleepovers are forbidden."

Alice, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett—who have been sleeping together since finding each other—tried to hide their horror. Edward gave enough attention to listen to Professor Goodman's explanations but didn't show any interest beyond that. He also pretended that he didn't hear the shouts of outrage playing in his sibling's minds.

"May we ask where the other students are?" Carlisle asked when he noticed how eerily quiet it was.

"There are days when we let the students travel to some of the surrounding cities, as a sort of vacation from school. As we speak, the students shall be returning from their week-stay in Venice. They shall be returning any moment now."

They followed her into one of the smallest towers, where—as it turns out—the teachers reside. She disappeared into one of the rooms and returned a few moments later with several files, of which contained their schedules and information.

"These are your schedules," she explained, handing each of the files to the Cullens. "These files contain your assigned classes, teachers, and dorm rooms. If you have any questions, you can come to me or you may ask any of your dorm mates. You would especially want to ask your student officers, who are obliged to answer any questions and assist you if needed."

She led them into another room, where the school's seamstress, Melody, was waiting. She quickly measured each of them and set out to find their uniforms. The girl's uniform—to both Alice and Rosalie's chagrin—consisted of a plaid skirt, white button-down shirt, a blue sweater, tailor jackets with the school emblem sewed on the left-side pocket, and loafers. The boys' uniforms were the same, except they wore black pants and a tie. They were given three sets of uniforms, of which was their responsibility to care for and wash daily.

"You may wear regular clothing on your free days or the weekends, but otherwise you are required to wear your uniforms. If repairs are needed, you can come to Miss Melody, who will be willing to take care of it."

Another hour was spent with Professor Goodman showing the rest of the school grounds. The only places forbidden to all students is the bell tower, which holds the school chapel. "Students are welcomed into the chapel during all hours of the day but under no circumstances are they allowed to travel up the spiral staircase to where the bell resides. We had too many incidents where students fell because they were reckless," Professor Goodman chided.

At last, the tour ended. It was late evening. From where they were, the Cullens saw three long buses driving up to the entrance of the school. Students of all sorts exited and spread through the previously empty school. Professor Goodman disappeared into the groups of students but returned a few moments later with two boys and two girls.

"This is Mister Eric York, Mister Tyler Cliffs, Miss Jessica Stands and Miss Angela Winds," she introduced. "They are the student officers and will help you with your classes."

Edward, who didn't care about anything that Professor Goodman said before, was now staring incredulously at the students. Fate is be really cruel, he thought. They look as they did many years before.

Eric York, Tyler Cliffs, Jessica Standoff and Angela Winds were the exact replicas of Eric Yorkie, Tyler Crawford, Jessica Stanley and Angela Weber, down to the last detail.

Holy crap! Emmett thought. His thoughts and incredulity matched the rest of the Cullens.

Jessica Stanley, who had married Mike Newton (another former classmate of the Cullen children) a few years after high school graduation, died at the age of 66 from heart complications. Angela Weber, who married her steady boyfriend Ben sometime after graduating college, died at the age 43 from pneumonia. Tyler Crawford died in a car crash at the age of 32. Eric Yorkie died of kidney failure at the age 45. All of this happened years ago, a memory that Edward had not thought of in a long time.

Though they were not very close to any of the people (except perhaps Angela), the Cullens still felt the need to attend the funerals and did so secretly, making sure that they were not recognized by the few people that would probably still remember them.

Eric Yorkie, Jessica Stanley, Angela Weber and Tyler Crawford died many years ago.

And yet, here they were, alive and well, looking as healthy as the last time any of the Cullens last seen them. As if the funerals never happened...as if none of them had died...as if those bleary days in Forks was nothing but a dream. But...it's not possible...

Professor Goodman, who wasn't aware of the shocked looks on the Cullens' faces, continued, "We also have the Head officers, who I am unable to find right now," she said strictly, looking at the officers before her.

Eric and Tyler, who were gaping at Alice and Rosalie, especially Rosalie, cringed at the ferocity in their Professor's eyes. Jessica, who had been gazing dreamily in Edward's direction (much to his annoyance), looked once at her Professor and looked down, fighting back her uncontrollable fit of giggles, apparently knowing something. It was Angela who answered.

"They were summoned to the Headmaster's office, Professor," she answered. "Needed to speak about the upcoming ball and the preparations." Professor Goodman nodded at Angela before turning to the still-shocked Cullens.

"I leave you in their care," she said with a curt nod, and then departed for the Teacher's Tower, where—Edward concluded—must also hold the Headmaster's office.

Angela stepped forward, albeit shyly. "Have you found your rooms yet?" she inquired.

Alice snapped out of her shock and answered with a smile (making Eric and Tyler blush and Jasper narrow his eyes resentfully at them). "No, we haven't. Professor Goodman said you could help us."

Jessica looked hopefully at Edward before speaking, her voice almost as giddy as he can remember. "No problem, we'll show you to the rooms and classes. If you need anything, just ask." She put a heavy emphasis on the word anything, which made Edward mentally cringe—yup, this definitely had to be Jessica Stanley, except...it just can't be...

As she spoke, she poked Tyler in the ribs and snapped him and Eric out of their reveries, which was good because Emmett and Jasper looked like they would've pounced on both boys if it continued.

As they gathered their luggage, the Cullens stole glances at the students that resembled their former classmates. Carlisle and Esme were just as surprised by the reappearance of people they believed to be dead for many decades.

"What's going on, Carlisle?" Emmett finally asked, voicing the main concern.

Carlisle looked at the officers patiently waiting a few feet from them. In a voice so low that no human could've heard them, he answered, "I'm not entirely sure. I'll try to find out, but for now, just act natural." He and Esme bid goodbye to each of their children, Esme and Carlisle especially giving attention to Edward, who seemed the most affected by the reappearance of his former classmates.

"Everything will be fine," Esme tried to reassure him, but it did little to ease him. She and Carlisle gave him one fleeting look before getting into the car and driving away into the distance.

Eric and Tyler led Emmett, Jasper, and Edward toward the Boy's Tower. Their rooms were stationed halfway up the structure. Their assigned rooms had five large poster beds with red covers, white pillows, a trunk resting at the end and red curtains draped along the sides. They had a clear view of the school grounds from their window.

Across the grounds in the opposite tower, Alice and Rosalie were shown their own dorm rooms, which held the same decorations as those in the Boy's Tower.

"We don't have to be in bed until later," Jessica explained, "and dinner isn't for another two hours. For now, we can just introduce you to some of the other students."

Rosalie and Alice were greeted formally to many of the other girls in the Tower, some who were friendlier than others, and then led outside to meet the rest of the school population. Across the grounds, Eric and Tyler were doing the same with Emmett, Jasper and Edward. They had already met with most of the male population and were being introduced to the last few dozens outside.

"I think that's everyone from the Boy's Tower," Eric said. "Just need to introduce you to the Head Boy Officer. His duty is to enforce discipline, rules and offer assistance. He also helps coordinate school events, along with the Head Girl Officer."

Tyler, who was silent for a while, suddenly started snickering. "Not sure if he's in the mood," he said. "Must still be pouting from today's rejection. You know how he is when it's like that."

Eric sighed and shook his head, though the smile that formed on his lips was smug. "You would think that after three years of rejection, he would take a hint and realize that she's just not interested." Thank goodness, he mentally added. Don't want to miss my chance. Edward blocked out Eric's thoughts before it would get into too much detail for his liking.

Tyler was still smirking. "Must be hopeful," he commented. "I know I am."

Eric sighed again, now exasperated. "I wonder when it'll get through that thick skull of his that she's never going to say yes. It's getting annoying how moody he is whenever she says no, and you have to admit, she's been polite about the entire thing so far. Not sure it's going to last."

Emmett was getting annoyed by the conversation, feeling a need to understand. "Do we get to know what you're talking about?" he asked, his annoyance clearly shown in his tone.

Eric and Tyler looked at them, then at each other, and smirked. "Our Head Boy Officer has a thing for the Head Girl Officer. He's been asking her out since they started here three years ago. And she's been saying no every time. Kinda sad, really."

"Make sure not to be around him whenever he gets rejected, he gets really crabby and annoying," Tyler warned.

Edward raised an eyebrow but didn't allow his interest in the conversation go any further. No need to be drawn into the drama that associated itself with adolescence.

"Oh, there he is," Eric said. He pointed to a boy leaning against the side of one of the school buildings, who was glaring and frowning at the beautiful scenery around him. Edward hesitated as he stepped toward the boy. That face...that hair...that horrifyingly familiar inner voice...no....no! NO!

"Hey, hey Mike!" Tyler shouted, paying no attention to the somber atmosphere surrounding the sullen boy.

The Mike Newton look-alike looked up, his eyes sad and his face pathetic, but he raised an eyebrow quizzically as he looked at the Cullens. What the...?

"Glad you're out of that meeting," Tyler said jovially. "Now wipe that frown off your face and meet our new classmates. This is Edward and Emmett Cullen, and Jasper Hale."

This cannot be happening, Emmett said, almost whining as he took in the familiar face. Jasper's thoughts and mood copied Emmett's, though he was more confused than ever.

Are we going to meet the clones of all our former classmates? Jasper speculated. He really didn't like the sound of that, and yet...

Whatever he was thinking about, Edward couldn't read. Jasper was blocking his thoughts effectively, he didn't want Edward to hear the insane theory forming inside his head, because he knew what Edward's reaction would be and it would be dangerous to let him know. Not to mention insensitive, in case he's proven wrong...

"Nice to meet you," Mike said formally, thought there was no emotion in his voice. "I am Mike Nelson, Head Boy Officer. If you should need anything, just ask. My duty is to assist, always." His introduction sounded like lines written for an actor, probably something he was required to say to all students. Indeed, his thoughts were depressing and even Jasper could tell that this boy was still sulking and not in the mood to talk.

"Now that that's settle, we should introduce you to the ladies," Eric said. He and Tyler were seemingly oblivious to their friend's mechanic behavior but their thoughts told Edward otherwise. He shrugged it off—really, even this Mike wasn't someone he could or would want to sympathize.

Tyler's attention suddenly drew to the fountain. "Oh yeah, you have to meet the other two students starting here," he said, winking at his depressed friends. "They're lookers."

At that statement, Emmett and Jasper narrowed their eyes. Mike, for one fleeting second, looked hopeful, but then he fell back into his monotone behavior. He shrugged nonchalantly.

"Okay," he sighed. Tyler and Eric led the way, with Mike and the Cullens close behind them.

Alice and Rosalie noticed their arrival. As friendly as they looked, their thoughts were practically screaming with annoyance at being in Jessica's company for so long. Angela took the initiative and interrupted Jessica's mid-monologue.

"Alice, Rosalie, meet Mike Nelson. He's the Head Boy Officer," she introduced.

Alice and Rosalie nodded once at the all-too-familiar figure. They were getting more and more confused by the strange reappearance of everyone they had met in Forks. Would their former teachers reappear as well? They shuddered mentally at that thought.

"Oh, and here comes our Head Girl Officer," Angela said, looking over everyone's shoulder to someone behind them. A face flashed in her mind, an image that slapped Edward in the face, something that caused more emotional pain than anything else. No...it can't be...

Alice and Rosalie were staring in horror at the direction Angela indicated. Emmett took one look and backtracked a few times, his thoughts screaming wordlessly: !!!!!!!!!!!!

Jasper looked from the approaching back to me, shocked, confused, horrified and expectant all at the same time. His thoughts were opened; he had thought that something like this would happen but...he never dreamed...never believed...and yet....

Edward braced himself, and then turned. A familiar face was approaching.

Familiar brown hair that reached her narrow waist.

Familiar brown eyes, so wide and open and full of secrets longing to be discovered.

A familiar, pretty heart-shaped face and creamy complexion...

And finally, there was that last bit of detail about the girl that threw Edward into a whirlwind of emotions and heartbreak.

He couldn't hear the girl's thoughts. He could hear his sibling's internal screaming, Angela's kind voice, Tyler, Eric and Mike's desperate longing, and Jessica's raging jealousy. But he heard nothing from this girl. Nothing. Silence. Blissful silence. A silence he hadn't heard since...

A slight breeze blew. He caught the scent. It burned his throat and cut into his frozen heart deeply, wanting to leap at the girl and sink his teeth into her skin. But a larger part longed to pull this girl into her arms and hold her forever.

He trembled. As frozen as he was, a single word escaped him.

"Bella."